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Did You Know? Survivor SBP Newsletter April 2026 


We recognize that Survivor Benefit Plan (SBP) annuity pay is complex and certain aspects can be difficult to understand. In this issue of the DFAS Survivor SBP Newsletter, we will share a few helpful tips for survivors.  
 
  • Did you know… you can manage your federal tax withholding directly with us? Simply submit an IRS Form W-4P through myPay, AskDFAS, by mail, or by fax. We will then withhold federal income taxes from your annuity payments accordingly. Each January, you will receive a 1099-R from us to assist you in filing your annual tax return. 
  • Did you know… surviving spouses maintain their SBP eligibility until death as long as they do not remarry before age 55? If a spouse annuitant remarries before age 55, annuity payments are suspended. However, if the marriage of an annuitant (who remarried before age 55) later ends for any reason, their eligibility for the annuity is reinstated and effective on the first day of the month the marriage ends. The annuity payments will restart once DFAS receives and processes the notification and required documents. Please note that child annuitants lose eligibility if they marry at any age. 
  • Did you know…  DFAS recognizes various types of third-party representation for annuitants who need help managing their account? However, one type of representation DFAS does not recognize for annuitants is Durable Power of Attorney (DPOA). Currently, DFAS is authorized by law to accept a DPOA for retiree accounts only. A full explanation of acceptable forms of representation can be found on the Powers of Attorney/Third Party Representatives webpage (https://www.dfas.mil/annthirdparty). 
  • Did you know… child annuitants between 18 and 22 must regularly certify their status as an unmarried, full-time student to continue receiving SBP annuity payments? For both high school and college students turning 18 and over 18, the DD Form 2788 School Certification Form is the only required form for annual certification. More information is available on our School Certifications webpage (https://www.dfas.mil/schoolcerts). 
  • Did you know… you can update your mailing address with us 24/7? Keeping your mailing address current is crucial. The easiest and most convenient way to update your address is in myPay (https://mypay.dfas.mil). You can also request an address update using our AskDFAS Online Tools (https://www.dfas.mil/AskDFAS). If you’d like to send a written request, you can send it by mail, fax or by uploading it using our AskDFAS online upload tool. Be sure to include your full name, Social Security number and the member’s Social Security number. Remember to sign and date any written correspondence. 
  • Did you know… in addition to keeping your mailing address updated with DFAS, it’s important to keep your information current with your loved one’s Branch of Service if you are a surviving spouse or child of a member who died on active duty, or inactive duty, in the line of duty? 
DFAS Webpages for Survivors  
  Note: The information on this website is provided to explain typical situations regarding retiree and annuitant benefits. For details and exceptions, please see applicable laws, financial management regulations, and instructions. 


Page updated May 1, 2026